The People Progressive Party (PPP) Government rather than meaningfully addressing complaints by African Guyanese about marginalisation and discrimination, has opted for a global public relations stunt to woo the African motherland. Many have lambasted the government for lobbying local and international African support to mask its bad policies and poor governance.
A recent jaunt to Ghana to participate in the opening of an oil refinery also coincides with President Irfaan Ali receiving the Global Africa Leadership Award from the African Prosperity Network (APN), a non-government organisation. Ali was conferred with the award on Friday in what persons believe to be the continuation of the PPP, using state resources and the promise of access to these resources, seeking to buy acceptance in the African community.
Dr. Henry Jeffrey, former minister in the PPP government, is among those who have raised concern about the government’s efforts at In his ‘Future Notes’ column in today’s Village Voice News, Jeffrey expresses concern about Ali receiving the award given the history and current behaviour of the PPP towards African Guyanese.
The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) has flayed the Ghanaians for bestowing the award, particularly given Ali’s record towards African Guyanese. In a statement IFAAD says it strongly believes any leadership award should be granted in recognition of inclusive governance, guaranteeing equal opportunities and protection for all citizens, irrespective of their ethnicity or background. These are qualities the organisation points out President Ali and his government do not possess. Calling on the APN to be careful how it distributes such awards lest it loses credibility, the anti-discrimination institute notes the award sends a troubling message that it is acceptable for leaders to marginalise and suppress certain communities, contradicting the spirit of true leadership and equality.
At home the government is touting the award as evidence several local African and civil society organisations and activists have signalled their full and unwavering support for the president on his receipt of the award for ‘strong and transformational’ leadership since taking office in 2020.
Two organisations, Afro-Guyanese Unity Foundation and the Organisation of African Unity Guyana, the government says, that have shown support for Ali, are either unknown or have no significant following. Last August, the Association of People of African Descent (APAD) was formed and has the support of the Government as evidenced by the presence of African ministers who pledged the support.
APAD is seen as the rival organisation of the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G) whose leadership the government attacked and sought to criminalise by accusing them of spending the money on themselves and not the African community. The debased behaviour of the government, led by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, followed by Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, Charles Ramson Jr. and others to tarnish leaders and the organisation, set the stage to withdraw the government subvention to the organisation. The subvention was granted during the A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change government (APNU+AFC). IDPADA-G has since taken the matter to the court and awaits a ruling.
On the other hand 11 Afro-Guyanese organisations have openly opposed the decision to award Ali. In a letter dated 17th January addressed to the APN, the grouping made known their belief human rights, inclusivity, and social justice are integral components of effective leadership and a detailed examination of the president’s policies and actions in these areas and towards African Guyanese is necessary before they could endorse the award. In no uncertain terms these organisations say an award from the Ghanaian organisation should be given if the recipient has served with honour and dignity over a long period.
Ali, without providing any evidence to debunk the 11-organisations’ allegation that he is “racist,” retorted that the majority of Guyanese, including Afro-Guyanese, support him and his vision for a unified nation. Ali’s presidency has been divisive and continues to see racial and political tensions shimmering not far from the surface as many Guyana are denied social and economic equality due to race, political affiliation, and/or independent view.
It is the view of the Institute For Action Against Discrimination it is crucial for organisations like APN “to honour leaders who exemplify genuine inclusive leadership and who work tirelessly towards the betterment of all communities.”
